The Health Diva

An under active thyroid can be at the root of gradual weight gain, and it should be checked by your doctor.

Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones. This slows down your body’s metabolism, leading to symptoms such as tiredness and putting on weight.

The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland. This means that it secretes hormones into your bloodstream. Hormones are chemicals produced by the body to help regulate how your cells and organs work. They are sometimes called chemical messengers.

The thyroid gland secretes two hormones: thyroxine (also called T4) and triiodothyronine (also called T3). Together, these hormones regulate your body’s metabolism. They control how quickly your body burns energy and how quickly reactions in your body happen.

Your rate of metabolism affects lots of things, such as how much you weigh, and how much you sleep. Thyroxine and triiodothyronine speed up the body’s metabolism, causing processes in your body to happen faster.

The production of the thyroid hormones is controlled by another hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). This is made by an endocrine gland in the brain called the pituitary gland.

Hypothyroidism usually develops gradually. The symptoms are mild, and you may not even notice them at first. This is called sub clinical hypothyroidism.

If hypothyroidism develops, it causes a general slowing down of your body’s functions. Some of the symptoms include:

• feeling tired and sleeping a lot
• feeling the cold easily
• dry and/or pale skin
• coarse, thinning hair and brittle nails
• sore muscles, slow movements and weakness
• a hoarse or croaky voice
• a change in facial expression
• depression
• problems with memory and concentration
• weight gain
• constipation
• fertility problems and increased risk of miscarriage
• heavy, irregular or prolonged menstrual periods
• a slow heart rate

Many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism can be caused by other conditions. However, if you have some or all of the symptoms listed above you should visit your GP. He or she will discuss your symptoms with you, perform a physical examination and may request some blood tests.

Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed by monitoring the levels of TSH and thyroid hormones in your blood. A diagnosis of autoimmune hypothyroidism is usually confirmed by the presence of particular antibodies in the blood.

When levels of TSH and thyroid hormones are difficult to interpret, other causes of hypothyroidism may be suspected, such as involvement of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.

Hypothyroidism can be treated by taking a thyroxine replacement, levothyroxine, in tablet form. It can take some time to get the dose right. Usually you start on a low dose that is gradually built up every few months. Your doctor will adjust your dose according to the results of your blood tests.

Some people whose hormone levels don’t fall within classic clinical ranges of hypothyroid still complain of symptoms — and were often turned away by physicians. Treatment became the bailiwick of alternative practitioners who called attention to low-grade, or ‘subclinical’, hypothyroidism a diagnosis roundly dismissed by many mainstream doctors. That’s now changing. Subclinical hypothyroidism has become a legitimate diagnosis in the past few years due to several large studies that have shown a link between the condition and illnesses such as heart disease.

Eat Right

The right foods may improve hormone balance and address the side effects of low thyroid function, like weight gain. Following these dietary recommendations will also help reduce inflammation in your body.

Eliminate refined carbohydrates, such as white flour and sugar, and replace them with complex carbs, such as whole grains.

Increase your intake of produce, and skip foods high in unhealthy saturated and trans fats, instead eating those rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, walnuts, and flaxseed).

Those already diagnosed may have been told to avoid goitrogens, substances found in foods such as cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale), peanuts, and soybeans. Although goitrogens can interfere with your thyroid’s ability to produce hormones, most patients can tolerate small amounts. Cooked goitrogen-rich foods are less problematic.

Take Supplements

“To help support the thyroid’s function, you can take some nutrients in supplement form,”

Take supplements at a different time of day from thyroid medication.

Selenium and zinc, which help to maintain a healthy thyroid gland. recommends 50 to 100 mcg of selenium and 15 mg to 30mg of zinc daily.

Vitamin A  (2,000 to 4,000 IU), which helps the body convert thyroid hormones (and helps ensure that medical treatment is effective)

Vitamin C (1,000-3000 mg), and vitamin E (400 IU), which may protect against heart disease triggered by hypothyroidism. Many experts recommend natural vitamin E supplements that contain tocopherols and tocotrienols.

B vitamins (B1, B6, B12, and folic acid), which help prevent mood and cognitive problems that often accompany low thyroid function; you can get adequate amounts in a “B-100″ B-complex supplement.

Vitamin D3 (800 IU) is recommended, since people with hypothyroidism are often deficient.

A fish-oil supplement with at least 600 mg of EPA and 400 mg of DHA will help protect the heart and brain, 100mg of flax oil is a vegetarian alternative.

Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, which is an essential component of thyroid hormones. 500mg of Tyrosine taken ½ hour before lunch and evening meal is recommended.

Your body needs an element called iodine to make thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency in the diet is the leading cause of hypothyroidism worldwide. Because an iodine deficiency can trigger hypothyroidism, some alternative practitioners recommend iodine-rich kelp supplements, Kelp has a normalizing effect on the thyroid gland. Our experts recommend using iodine supplements with caution that this can lead to excess iodine. Kelp is not suitable for use alongside thyroxine medication.

Higher Natures Thyroid Support Formula combines the key nutrients, Iodine and Selenium to support thyroid hormone production, and boost the metabolism. This formula provides Iodine and Selenium, plus Tyrosine and nine other vitamins and minerals.

Exercise

Just because your thyroid is sluggish doesn’t mean you have to be. Regular physical activity can boost your mood, improve heart function, and rev up your metabolism.

Start slowly, moderately exercise such as walking 20 minutes a day. Since thyroid imbalance can affect your heart function, it’s important not to overdo it.  As your stamina increases add strength training exercises, which can also boost metabolism.

Relax

Chronic stress can worsen thyroid function, while having hypothyroidism can itself create stress. Low thyroid function occur in patients who’ve experienced emotional traumas like divorce or job loss.

 To help calm you and relieve anxiety, practice relaxation techniques like breathing exercises and meditation. Those suffering from severe stress might consider talk therapy; some holistic practitioners view low thyroid function as the result of a blocked throat chakra, or feeling like you can’t speak your piece, try exploring creative ways to “find your voice,” such as singing, writing, or creating art. You’ll find your point of calm, and perhaps improve your thyroid health, too.